Warner Bros. has acquired American Blood, an upcoming crime novel by Ben Sanders, with Bradley Cooper attached to star and produce.

At least one other studio had bid on the project (which is currently a partial manuscript), and several TV companies had also expressed interest.

The story follows Marshall Grade, an NYPD officer turned mob informant, who, while living in the witness protection program in New Mexico, is pulled into a dangerous investigation involving a missing woman.

Andrew Sodroski (Holland, Michigan) is attached to adapt the script. John Lesher and Adam Kassan will produce while Chantal Nong is overseeing for the studio. Cooper will produce through his 22 & Indiana banner, while Brendan Deneen of Macmillan Entertainment and PouyaShabazian of New Leaf Literary & Media will also produce.

Sanders, from New Zealand, published his first book, Fallen, at age 20. The book was a best-seller in his native country, and he went on to write two others -- By Any Means and Only the Dead.

Now 24 years old, Sanders will make his American debut with American Blood, which is slated for fall 2015 via MacMillan. American Blood is likely the first in a series of books, which means there's franchise potential for the films.

Cooper, Oscar nominated for his role in American Hustle, will next star as the voice of Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy. He'll next shoot Clint Eastwood's American Sniper. He's repped by CAA.